ABOUT
CONFERENCE @ DC 2025
PROGRAMS
RESOURCES
Oversees all logistical aspects of the ECAASU conference, ensuring smooth operations, timely execution, and an exceptional attendee experience.
Estelle Kim is the Chair of the Board of Directors of ECAASU. Estelle is a first generation Korean American and she served as ECAASU's 2023 Co-executive Conference Director prior to joining the Board of Directors. Estelle graduated from the University of Virginia in 2023 with highest distinction, and she is currently a Master of Public Policy candidate at Georgetown University studying the intersections of social and health policy. In her free time, Estelle enjoys baking, graphic design, and traveling with friends and family.
Sam Lee (He/Him) is a second-generation Korean settler, born and raised on Wampanoag and Massachusett land, otherwise known as Boston. He is in his third year at the George Washington University (GWU) which stands on Nacotchtank and Piscataway land,also known as Washington, D.C. At the institution, Sam is double majoring in Archaeology and Korean Studies with a proud minor in Asian American Studies. His academic interests span Asian Settler Colonialism, Indigenous Studies, Critical Pasifika Studies, and solidarity-building among marginalized communities. Sam also holds leadership roles in GWU’s Asian American Student Association (AASA) and Queer & Transgender People of Color Association (QTPOCA), advocating for other cultural-organizing groups. As a member of the planning committee for ECAASU 2025, Sam hopes that this year's conference will be one that can center community, critical knowledge production, and radical love in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all who attend.
Vivian Tran is the 2024-2026 Co-Conference Director of the Board of Directors of ECAASU. She previously served 3 years on ECAASU, participating in roles including Campus Summits Coordinator, Asian Fashion Awareness founder, Associate Director, Secretary, and more! Vivian graduated from Emmanuel College Boston in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of social impact from her term as President of Asian Student Association. As an alumna, she continues to persist on her project to start an Asia and Pacific Islands studies minor program on campus. She is now a first-year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine, aiming to spread her impact not only in the context of healthcare but also in social and cultural advocacy. Vivian's favorite hobbies include sketching and painting, almost anything art related.
Malena Nong is the Co-Conference Chair of the Board of Directors of ECAASU. Malena is a first generation Cambodian-American. She previously served as the logistics director for the 2023 Conference and as a coordinator for ECAASU National Board campus summits and partnerships. Malena is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia studying biology. In her free time, Malena enjoys baking and going to the gym.
Sam Lee (He/Him) is a second-generation Korean settler, born and raised on Wampanoag and Massachusett land, otherwise known as Boston. He is in his third year at the George Washington University (GWU) which stands on Nacotchtank and Piscataway land,also known as Washington, D.C. At the institution, Sam is double majoring in Archaeology and Korean Studies with a proud minor in Asian American Studies. His academic interests span Asian Settler Colonialism, Indigenous Studies, Critical Pasifika Studies, and solidarity-building among marginalized communities. Sam also holds leadership roles in GWU’s Asian American Student Association (AASA) and Queer & Transgender People of Color Association (QTPOCA), advocating for other cultural-organizing groups. As a member of the planning committee for ECAASU 2025, Sam hopes that this year's conference will be one that can center community, critical knowledge production, and radical love in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all who attend.
Aryani is a junior at the George Washington University, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Asian American Studies and sustainability. At GWU, Aryani serves as the Advocacy Director and Co-President for the Asian American Student Association. They are also involved in other political organizations on campus. In their free time, Aryani can be found reading a mystery book, skateboarding or scrolling through Pinterest. They also enjoy exploring new cafes and bookstores, as well as walking their dog!
Collin Absher serves on the External Conference Team as a Logistics Team Member. His previous involvement at ECAASU as a presenter on his honors thesis led him to continue his passions is Asian American Studies. He graduated from William & Mary's APIA Studies and Chinese Studies programs Summa Cum Laude and currently work in DC as a Civic Fellow at the Close Up Foundation.
Collin Absher serves on the External Conference Team as a Logistics Team Member. His previous involvement at ECAASU as a presenter on his honors thesis led him to continue his passions is Asian American Studies. He graduated from William & Mary's APIA Studies and Chinese Studies programs Summa Cum Laude and currently work in DC as a Civic Fellow at the Close Up Foundation.
Mira Manalastas is a first-generation Filipino-American and the previous ASU advocacy co-chair at the University of Virginia. Mira graduated from UVA with high distinction, and they are currently a graduate student at George Washington University studying art therapy. Mira is currently an art therapist intern at Whitman Walker.
Sam Lee (He/Him) is a second-generation Korean settler, born and raised on Wampanoag and Massachusett land, otherwise known as Boston. He is in his third year at the George Washington University (GWU) which stands on Nacotchtank and Piscataway land,also known as Washington, D.C. At the institution, Sam is double majoring in Archaeology and Korean Studies with a proud minor in Asian American Studies. His academic interests span Asian Settler Colonialism, Indigenous Studies, Critical Pasifika Studies, and solidarity-building among marginalized communities. Sam also holds leadership roles in GWU’s Asian American Student Association (AASA) and Queer & Transgender People of Color Association (QTPOCA), advocating for other cultural-organizing groups. As a member of the planning committee for ECAASU 2025, Sam hopes that this year's conference will be one that can center community, critical knowledge production, and radical love in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all who attend.
Sam Lee (He/Him) is a second-generation Korean settler, born and raised on Wampanoag and Massachusett land, otherwise known as Boston. He is in his third year at the George Washington University (GWU) which stands on Nacotchtank and Piscataway land,also known as Washington, D.C. At the institution, Sam is double majoring in Archaeology and Korean Studies with a proud minor in Asian American Studies. His academic interests span Asian Settler Colonialism, Indigenous Studies, Critical Pasifika Studies, and solidarity-building among marginalized communities. Sam also holds leadership roles in GWU’s Asian American Student Association (AASA) and Queer & Transgender People of Color Association (QTPOCA), advocating for other cultural-organizing groups. As a member of the planning committee for ECAASU 2025, Sam hopes that this year's conference will be one that can center community, critical knowledge production, and radical love in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all who attend.
